Spiritual Leader to Guide Psychiatrists From the Head to the Heart

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned spiritual leader, will be the 2004 International Lecturer at APA’s 2004 annual meeting this year in New York City. He is the founder of the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) and the Art of Living Foundation.

In his lecture, “Psychiatry and Spirituality: A Holistic Approach,” Shankar will discuss the introduction of unique applications of the mind/body/spirit concept and how these concepts are used for the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, violence, and stress-related disorders.

The lecture will be held Monday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Javits Convention Center.

Shankar has promoted religious tolerance, peace, and innovative social programs in his numerous public addresses including the United Nations World Peace Summit (2000), for which he was the keynote speaker; the World Economic Forum (2000, 2002); and the United Nations Conference on Racism and Discrimination (South Africa, 2001).

Research has shown that the special yoga breathing techniques and teachings of the Art of Living courses effectively relieve stress and increase energy, awareness, mental focus, and sense of belonging. The effects have been demonstrated in a wide range of populations including health care practitioners; individuals with psychiatric and medical conditions; children and adolescents; prison inmates and staff; juvenile offenders; and victims of natural disasters, poverty, violence, war, and terrorism.

Art of Living courses and IAHV humanitarian relief programs in more than 100 countries have improved the lives of millions of individuals by sending volunteers, teachers, and medical staff to provide trauma relief and promote nonviolent conflict resolution in many. A partial list of the areas served includes Serbia, Croatia, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Africa, South America, the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Far East, United States, Australia, and Canada.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar reminds us to journey from the head back to the heart as we care for our patients, our local communities, and our world community. ▪

Philip Muskin, M.D., is a member of APA’s Scientific Program Committee.